inulin

American  

[in-yuh-lin] / ˈɪn yə lɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a polysaccharide, (C 6 H 10 O5 ) n , obtained from the roots of certain plants, especially elecampane, dahlia, and Jerusalem artichoke, that undergoes hydrolysis to the dextrorotatory form of fructose: used chiefly as an ingredient in diabetic bread, in processed foods to increase their fiber content, and as a reagent in diagnosing kidney function.

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inulin British  

/ ˈɪnjʊlɪn /

noun

1. a fructose polysaccharide present in the tubers and rhizomes of some plants. Formula: (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n

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Etymology

Origin of inulin

1805–15; < New Latin Inul ( a ) a genus of plants ( Latin: elecampane) + -in ²

Example Sentences

The lawsuit takes issue with the final ingredient, claiming that much of Poppi’s success can be attributed to “agave inulin, the Products’ so-called ‘Prebiotic.’

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2024

The inulin shell boosts the gut microbiome by providing an energy source for gut bacteria, while the medium chain triglycerides facilitate drug absorption into the bloodstream.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

Functional fiber — such as inulin, maltodextrin, guar gum and psyllium — have been extracted from natural sources, processed and added back to foods or supplements because they have health benefits.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 21, 2023

Chitin is similar to inulin, a polysaccharide with fructose, but with additional glucose monomers.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

It is a hydrolytic product of inulin, from which it may be prepared; but it is more usual to obtain it from “invert sugar,” the mixture obtained by hydrolysing cane sugar with sulphuric acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various